Skopos theory : basic principles and deficiencies

Abstract EN

Skopos theory is a theory of translation by the German translator Vermeer in 1978.

In this theory, the process of translation is determined by the function of the product.

This function is specified by the addressee.

This theory is one of the functionalist approaches whose aim is to dethrone the source text (ST).

This is done by emphasizing the role of the translator as a creator of the target text (TT) and giving priority to purpose (skopos)of producing TT.

Functionalism is a major shift from a linguistic equivalence to functional appropriateness.

Thus, translation is considered primarily as a process of intercultural communication whose end product is a text which has the ability to function appropriately in specific situations and context of use(Schaffner,1998a : 3).

Skopos is a Greek word for 'purpose '.

According to skopostheorie, the basic principle which determines the process of translation is the purpose (skopos) of the translational action.

The idea of intentionality is part of the very definition of any action (Nord,1997 : 27).

This paper aims at investigating the principles of the skopos theory and its deficiencies.

Within the flow of the discussion the differences between functionalist and the non-functionalist approaches are incorporated.

It is hypothesized that this theory has nothing to do with the ST ; it concentrates on the purpose of the translation process.

It is a common knowledge that every theory has its own drawbacks.

Skopos theory is no exception .